Did you know that there was an SESD Buildings and Grounds meeting on June 12th regarding the possible move of the fourth grade to SEMS W? Whether you are for it or against it (my understanding is that several teachers are against this move), the discussion was held and only TWO residents showed up to participate in the discussion! And only one of those people has children attending schools in SESD! Included in this discussion was the possibility of renovations to SESD schools at the cost of millions of dollars. Also included in this discussion was the addition of a non-mandated, voluntary Pre-K program for “at risk” four year olds. Did you know that these issues may be voted on at the June 26th school board meeting?
I know that this subject has been talked about before and I’m sure I read somewhere the board hired a consulting service to look at adding to the elementray schools or re-doing the middle school so everyone would “have room”. There is no way that the 4th grade would move this fall...not enough time to plan for everything. The problem is too many kids in the district and not enough room. It will only get worse before it gets better.
Just curious, would the 4th graders moving to SEMS West be this fall?
No. An addition must be built onto SEMS-W to accommodate the 4th grade classrooms. I believe it is a 3-and-a-half year project. This project includes widening the bus loop, adding additional parking, doing something with parent drop-off/pick-up, plus the building addition. If approved, 4th graders would start in SEMS-W in the fall of 2012.
By the way, there is also a plan for a $25 million addition to KD. Ground breakling on this project will be in “7, 8, or 10 years.”
I know that this subject has been talked about before and I’m sure I read somewhere the board hired a consulting service to look at adding to the elementray schools or re-doing the middle school so everyone would “have room”. There is no way that the 4th grade would move this fall...not enough time to plan for everything. The problem is too many kids in the district and not enough room. It will only get worse before it gets better.
The reason for moving the 4th grades is to allow for an “extended” kindergarten day for at-risk students and to start Pre-K classes.
The reason for moving the 4th grades is to allow for an “extended” kindergarten day for at-risk students and to start Pre-K classes.
Not entirely true, there are already 2 extended day K classes at Stew.. The problem is that all K is supposed to be full day and there just isn’t the room for it.
I know that this subject has been talked about before and I’m sure I read somewhere the board hired a consulting service to look at adding to the elementray schools or re-doing the middle school so everyone would “have room”. There is no way that the 4th grade would move this fall...not enough time to plan for everything. The problem is too many kids in the district and not enough room. It will only get worse before it gets better.
The reason for moving the 4th grades is to allow for an “extended” kindergarten day for at-risk students and to start Pre-K classes.
Marge - thanks for that reminder. I forgot that sometime “soon” we will have to have all day kindergarten.
This topic has been in discussion for over a year now. There were presentations to the Board for long range planning purposes in April and June of 2007. Many members of the public were present and it was covered in the Star (might have been reported in the York Record and Dispatch too but I don’t remember). So there shouldn’t be any concerns of “secrecy.”
There is a need for more capacity to accommodate all day Kindergarten (not mandated yet but likely will be soon) and the growing population in general. Options presented were to expand all three elementary buildings or expand SEMS West and move the fourth grade there. I think the District is prefers the latter. Either way, there are more construction projects in our future.
The reason for moving the 4th grades is to allow for an “extended” kindergarten day for at-risk students and to start Pre-K classes.
Not entirely true, there are already 2 extended day K classes at Stew.. The problem is that all K is supposed to be full day and there just isn’t the room for it.
According to Dr. Shank, the extended K will only be for at-risk students, even if, and when, the 4th grade is moved. This is why it is referred to as “extended” K, instead of all day.
The problem is too many kids in the district and not enough room. It will only get worse before it gets better.
Actually, enrollment is down overall (some schools had an increase, while some had a decrease). Enrollment history is posted on SESD’s website, as well as in the school board minutes. In 2005-06, there were 3,292 students enrolled. In April of 2008, there were 3,167. Final enrollment for the 2007-08 year has not been posted yet.
It’s true that over the last couple years enrollment has declined slightly, basically level. But with over flow from new employment at APG in next few years I believe that trend will start upwards again.
I hope that SESD is not relying heavily on a major influx of students due to the APG changes. The Sage Report regarding BRAC at APG states that York County will be the LEAST impacted. While the Sage Report does suggest an increase in numbers of school age children in SESD, there will also be a natural loss of students due to moves, graduations, whatever.
I have read current (2006) research on grade configuration. The configuration that works the best is where there are no transitions between schools. However, this is costly and not practical for just about every school district! There are advocates for every grade configuration out there. The bottom line is that you need good teachers, good and progressive curricula, and a pleasant school environment doesn’t hurt!
Good teachers are leaving in mass and the climate is far from positive at SESD. There are many more educators interviewing with local districts - that is a fact. Keep your eye on the upcoming board resignations - it is sad to see so many good teachers leaving and I know first hand how good they are! Other districts are taking advantage of the hostile working environment in SESD and there may be some admininistrative ‘team’ players leaving the district too…
When will SESD get back to educating the students??? $100,000 Steinway pianos, wooden oboes, Myspace, school closings for heat, cold, dark, wind..., school leader working from home??
It has been the amusement in the county for too long. Hold on to what is left that is good in the district and get the reputation back.
